Comfort techniques
and partner support are also a big part of our Prepared Childbirth
Class. While childbirth is certainly a transitional time for
the mother, it is also a transitional time for the partner.
When the partner is able to support and participate in the
experience, many couples feel childbirth brings them closer
and helps their relationship evolve into parenthood. It is
normal for partners and support people to feel anxious when
approaching childbirth, wondering “if they will be able
to help in the way they are supposed to”. We give you
the tools and practices to feel prepared and confident during
childbirth.
Some
of the benefits of a Childbirth Class are:
*Understand the changes that occur in a woman's body throughout
pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.
*Become educated on the procedures and know what to expect
in childbirth.
*Learn about the different interventions used and your options
within them.
*Learn how to support and comfort laboring mothers.
*Learn different pain management and comfort techniques including
breathing, massage, visualization and positioning.
*Address fears and get answers to your questions.
*Create a birth plan using the information you have learned.
*Learn
the basics of breastfeeding and postpartum care.
There are many benefits to attending a Childbirth Class. The
time spent in class will not only educate mothers and their
support person, it
will also bring them closer, helping them create a plan and
become more connected and confident in their decisions while
understanding each other’s roles. This valuable class
covers a great deal of information and helps parents connect
with other parents to be, creating lasting friendships.
Prepared Childbirth is a 5 week series.
.
This class is taught by
LCCE,CD (DONA), owner and founder of Belly Bliss.
Bradley Childbirth Education Series
Natural Childbirth:
Natural childbirth is the act of giving birth without the
use of any pain medication or medical interventions. Many
women chose natural childbirth because they feel it offers
the safest birth for both mother and baby.
The
Bradley Method® general FAQ's:
1.) What is The Bradley Method®?
The Bradley Method® teaches natural childbirth and views
birth as a natural process. It is our belief that most women
with proper education, preparation and the help of a loving
and supportive coach can be taught to give birth naturally.
The Bradley Method® is a system of natural labor techniques
in which a woman and her coach play an active part. It is
a simple method of increasing self-awareness, teaching a woman
how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning into her own
body. The Bradley Method® encourages mothers to trust
their bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition,
exercise, and education.
2.)
When should I start a Bradley Method® class?
Healthy nutrition, appropriate exercise, and pregnancy information
can be of benefit throughout the entire pregnancy. For most
couples, the fifth month is the suggested time to begin a
Bradley® class series as they seriously start training
for labor and for their upcoming role as parents. The earlier
you start, the better prepared you’ll be physically,
emotionally and mentally.
3.) What does The Bradley Method® teach?
a. Natural childbirth - Nearly 90% of Bradley® moms having
vaginal births do so without pain medication.
b. Active participation by the husbands as coaches.
c. Excellent nutrition (the foundation of a healthy pregnancy
and baby).
d. Avoidance of drugs during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding,
unless absolutely necessary. No drug has been proven safe
for an unborn baby.
e. Training: “Early Bird” classes followed by
weekly classes starting in the 5th month and continuing until
the birth.
f. Relaxation and NATURAL breathing - can be effective pain
management techniques with training according to the National
Institutes of Health.
g. “Tuning-in” to your own body and trusting the
natural process.
Immediate and continuous contact with your new baby.
h. Breastfeeding, beginning at birth provides immunities and
nutrition.
i. Consumerism and positive communication.
j. Parents taking responsibility for the safety of the birth
place, procedures, attendants and emergency back-up.
k. Parents being prepared for unexpected situations such as
emergency childbirth and cesarean section.
Bradley Childbirth Education is a 11 week series.
.
Please
Click Here to See Dates or to Make a Reservation
Julie
Olson, CBE
I am a professionally trained and affiliated instructor, teaching
The Bradley Method® of Natural Childbirth. My husband,
Matt and I have two children that were born without drugs
or interventions in a hospital with a midwife and a doctor.
I have been teaching childbirth classes since 2005 and I strive
to help other couples have the same opportunities for a healthy
pregnancy and a gentle, fulfilling birth experience.
My
classes cover a variety of topics, including birth preparation,
nutrition and exercise in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and post-partum
care. I strive to provide a comprehensive course that is flexible
and tailored to the needs of the particular couples in the
class. I teach mothers and their partners how to work together
to create a harmonious team. Students learn positive communications,
skills for making informed decisions, methods to minimize
discomfort, and relaxation techniques. Partners learn to identify
and respond to the mother’s needs, tools to help maintain
a relaxing environment and they are empowered to respond to
any variation in labor.
In addition to providing all of the materials you need for
the class, I have an extensive lending library of books and
my classes are enhanced with videos and relaxation music.
Also, I am available “on-call”, via the phone,
during and after your birth, if you should need any support.
I am always available outside of class to discuss any specific
needs that you may have and I host a follow-up gathering for
the class to show-off their babies and tell their birth stories.
Birthing From Within Childbirth
Education Series
What do YOU need to know to give birth?
Birthing from Within® childbirth preparation classes are designed to: Prepare parents for birth as a sacred rite of passage, and to create holistic prenatal preparation that is informative, transformative and builds a foundation for birthing-in-awareness.
*Childbirth is a profound rite of passage, not a medical event (even when medical care is part of the birth).
* The essence of childbirth preparation is self-discovery, not assimilating obstetric information.
*The teacher (mentor) is "midwife" to the parents' discovery process, not the expert from whom wisdom flows.
* Childbirth preparation is a continually evolving process (for parents and teachers), not a static structure of techniques and knowledge.
* Parents' individual needs and differences determine class content.
*Active, creative self-expression is critical to childbirth preparation.
* The purpose of childbirth preparation is to prepare mothers to give birth-in-awareness, not to achieve a specific birth outcome
*Pregnancy and birth outcome are influenced by a variety of factors, but can't be controlled by planning.
*In order to help parents mobilize their coping resources, it is critical for childbirth classes to acknowledge that unexpected, unwelcome events may happen during labor.
*Parents deserve support for any birth option which might be right for them (whether it be drugs, cesarean, home birth, or bottle-feeding).
* Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much can be done to ease suffering.
* Pain-coping practices work best when integrated into daily life, rather than "dusted off" for labor.
* Fathers and birth partners help best as birth guardians or loving partners, not as coaches; they also need support.
*For parents, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is a time of continuous learning and adjustment; holistic support and education should be available throughout that period. Taken from www.birthingfromwithin.com
Birthing From Within is a 4 week series.
Click here to read more about Birthing From Within®
Meggan Dodge
I have been in the field of education for 11 years. Much of that time was spent teaching 5th graders in elementary school. (This is where my husband and I met!) After the birth of our daughters, I knew I wanted to stay home with them yet continue to work at something I love. I have been teaching childbirth classes for 5 years and mentoring Birthing From Within classes for the last two. Mentoring has allowed me to teach something I’m passionate about, stay in the field of education, and raise our daughter at home. Birthing From Within® is a holistic approach to childbirth preparation that will meet ALL your needs and start you on your journey to parenthood.
Blissborn™ Birth Hypnosis Class Series
You're built for a better birth.
Blissborn birth hypnosis classes offer a natural alternative to painful, scary birth and drugs. Hypnosis training is recognized world-wide as one of the most effective paths to a more comfortable, more loving, easier, faster and safer birth. Studies have shown that hypnosis shortens labor, reduces pain, decreases interventions, decreases post-partum depression, and makes for calmer babies.
Blissborn teaches a highly effective way to use self-hypnosis to stay calm, release fear, control sensations and create a satisfying experience. Each of the five two-hour classes features activities, hypnosis, discussion, special training for birth partners, a practice CD and a manual. Each class builds on the last. This class is intended for couples in their third trimester. Bring your partner, a pillow and water to each class. Birth professionals can attend as guests at no charge.
Homework, CDs and independent self-hypnosis practice take 30-40 minutes/day, and this homework is fun! Those who practice daily have the best results.
Graduates of this program are prepared physically, mentally and emotionally for the most empowering experience of their lives.
Class 1: Discovering Self-Hypnosis
Learn the secret to profound relaxation that offers no resistance to labor, and how to re-activate it instantly with a simple prompt. Experience the power of visualization.
Class 2: Practical Skills for Mom & Partner
Moms need lots of support in labor! Partners become hypnosis coaches and learn about what REALLY helps moms. Practice staying in hypnosis while walking and opening your eyes. Overview of birth anatomy, terminology and phases of labor.
Class 3: Birth without Fear
Fear is a message from the deeper mind. Learn to identify the fears that could derail an otherwise perfect birth, and transform them into calm and confidence.
Class 4: Tame Labor Pain with Your Brain
Learn the secrets of the mind that have allowed people for thousands of years to reduce sensations in their bodies and suffering in their minds. Practice different ways to control sensations in hypnosis.
Class 5: Putting It All Together
Put together all the skills and info from the first four classes so you’ll feel confident and excited about your birth. Birth plans, labor positions and pushing phase suggestions. Partners practice their ‘duties’ and special hypnosis techniques. Look beyond birth to your plans for the baby. Learn how to use hypnosis to speed healing, jumpstart breastfeeding and get by on less sleep. In hypnosis, create the blueprint for the labor and birth you desire.
Click here to read more about BlissBorn.
Natelle Brown MA, CMS-CHt, BHE
Certified Medical Support Clinical Hypnotherapist
Natelle Brown’s first experience with hypnosis for childbirth was five years ago when she had the privilege and pleasure of being present when her daughter had a natural birth using hypnosis. The experience was so amazing, “Nana” is now a Certified Medical Support Clinical Hypnotherapist, and her passion is teaching Blissborn birth hypnosis classes. She receives great satisfaction and joy empowering women and their partners to have blissful, calm, safe, and natural births.
Her professional credentials include:
· Founder of Foothills Hypnotherapy, LLC, Lakewood, Colorado
· Certified Medical Support Clinical Hypnotherapist, International Board of Hypnotherapy
·Clinical Hypnotherapist, certified by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners, CHT #110-024
· Graduate of the Hypnotherapy Academy of America
· Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy
· Certified Instructor, Hypno-Beginning© Hypnosis for Childbirth Program
· Blissborn™ Birth Hypnosis Educator
Natelle loves living in a log house in the Foothills of Colorado with her husband, Curt. They enjoy ballroom dancing, golfing, skiing, and playing with their three grandchilden. Occasionally, when she sits down to relax, she picks up a skein of yarn and knitting needles.
Childbirth Education Refresher
This course is suggested for parents who have taken a childbirth course in the past and are looking for a refresher to prepare for their next birth. The course emphasizes the role of the birth partner or coach, reviews the stages of labor, focuses on relaxation techniques and positions to cope with labor and briefly discusses postpartum topics related to parenting more than one child. Participants will be provided with a questionnaire that should complete before the first class.
Blissful Breastfeeding
Top 10 Myths About Breastfeeding
1. To prepare and toughen nipples for breastfeeding rub them with a towel during the last trimester of pregnancy.
2. Hospital birth practices do not affect the duration of breastfeeding.
3. Breastfeeding with sore, cracked nipples is normal during the first few weeks after birth.
4. While breastfeeding, do not use bottles as they cause nipple confusion.
5. Do not pump until at least three to four weeks after birth.
6. During engorgement do not pump as it will just produce more milk.
7. Borrowing a friend's breast pump is encouraged as it saves money and does not pose any health risks.
8. Rotating breastfeeding positions will prevent sore nipples.
9. In some states it is illegal to breastfeed in public.
10.Exercising while breastfeeding may spoil the breast milk.
From Cathy Heise, Lactation Consultant and Teacher of Blissful Breastfeeding at Belly Bliss. To find out the truths about these and other myths come to our:
Blissful Breastfeeding Class
This class is essential for all pregnant moms who are considering breastfeeding. Spend a couple of hours with Cathy, our Lactation Consultant and Nurse to discuss breastfeeding benefits and techniques.
Blissful Breastfeeding Private Class
Can't attend one of our scheduled Blissful Breastfeeding Workshops or want a private lesson? We will be happy to set up a private class for you here at Belly Bliss with our Lactation ConsultantCathy Heise.
$65 for a private 1 hour class. Please call us at 303.399.1191 to set up your private class.
Infant Care 101
Common Newborn Questions:
How often do I need to bathe my newborn, and what kind of soap and shampoo should I use?
Before they begin eating solids (when food will find its way into every bodily crevice) and crawling (when hands and knees will be perpetually grimy), babies don't have many opportunities to get dirty. So unless the baby is especially fond of her bath or soothed by it, every other day is plenty for now, with spot washing in between. More than that can dry the skin. Shampooing is rarely needed more than once or twice a week (unless your baby's sweating a lot in hot weather or has a full head of hair). Soap is usually only necessary on the dirtiest areas, such as the hands and bottom. To reduce potential dryness or irritation, use a gentle product designed for babies that contain no colors or fragrances.
Will I spoil my baby by picking him up every time he cries?
A good cry is a baby's way of saying he's hungry, bored, lonely, overtired, in pain, or simply in need of a cuddle. When you respond to his cries, the baby learns not only that he's loved and valued but also that communication works. This is an early and important lesson in socialization. New parents should not worry that they might be overindulging him; most babies under six months don't possess the cognitive sophistication necessary to be manipulative: so it's virtually impossible to spoil them. In fact, many experts believe that infants who are picked up when they cry actually cry less and demand less attention later on. As a bonus, they're more likely to grow up self-reliant, and trusting. This doesn't mean you should drop everything when the baby cries. If it takes you a few minutes to finish what you're doing, that's fine as long as he can't get himself into any trouble in the meantime. Play some soothing music or put a favorite toy within his line of sight and get to him as soon as you're done. If it's practical (you're working in the same room, you're not on the phone), talk to him so he knows you're there.
When I take my baby out, strangers inevitably comment to me that he's not dressed warmly enough. But I'm afraid of overheating him. Who's right?
Infants under six months generally require about one layer more than you do to stay comfortably warm. Older babies typically need to wear only as much as an adult does when they leave the house. Hats are a good idea in even slightly cool weather, since 25 percent of body heat is lost through the head. The best gauge of whether a baby is too cold is not his hands - which may be cool even when he's warm - but the nape of his neck. If it's warm to the touch, he's dressed just right. It is wise not to layer on too many clothes. More babies are overdressed for the outdoors, which can lead to overheating, than are under dressed.
From Sharon Rowland, Postpartum Nurse, owner of Smooth Transitions and teacher of Infant Care 101 at Belly Bliss.
What to know more? Join us for Infant Care 101
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